Development
The E-8C Joint STARS began from programs existing within the United States Army and Air Force. The purpose of these programs were to develop and use technology capable of detecting, locating and attacking behind enemy lines. The programs were aligned and consolidated in 1982 with the Air Force taking the helm moving forward.
Features
The E-8C Joint STARS has radar and computer systems that allow for detailed ground information to be sent back to ground stations for a near-real time overview of the landscape. This can relay information from the field regarding any and all ground forces and operations. The aircraft has an antenna that allows the scope of view to cover more than 19,000 square miles, detect specific targets further than 150 miles and identify slower-moving aircraft with varying efficiency.
The Joint STARS began life as a Boeing 707-300 series commercial aircraft. It was heavily modified to include the necessary radar, communications, operations and control equipment to perform its mission of airborne battle management.
Operational History
Post-consolidation, the first two developmental aircraft supported Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and Operation Joint Endeavor in 1995. Since then, the Joint STARS aircraft have accumulated more than 85,000 combat hours supporting various missions from six different combatant commands.